What Is Morality? - Argumentation

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Transcript of What Is Morality? - Argumentation

Case 1: Baby TheresaFlorida1992, anencephalic (without a brain-no cerebrum or cerebellum, but does have a brain-stem, so autonomic functions like breathing and heartbeat go on)Most detected and abortedOf those not aborted, ½ are still born300 a year born and usually die in few daysCan know these babies not live long and that they will have no conscious lifeParents volunteered her (and doctors agreed) for organ transplants (kidneys, liver, heart, lungs and eyes) for other children who would benefit from it (2000 need transplants a year, never enough available)Florida law prohibits removal of organs until donor is deadTaking organs out would kill herWhen Teresa died after 9 days, her organs had deteriorated and were worthless

The Benefits Argument1. If we can benefit someone, without harming anyone else, we ought to do so.2. Transplanting the organs would benefit the other children without harming Baby Theresa._________________________________________Therefore, we ought to transplant the organs.

The Death is a Harm Argument1. In all cases, causing the death of a person harms that person.2. Transplanting the organs would cause the death of Baby Theresa._________________________________________Therefore, transplanting the organs would harm Baby Theresa.

The “It’s Wrong to Kill” Argument1. It is wrong to kill one person to save another.2. Taking Theresa’s organs would be killing one person (Theresa) to save others._________________________________________Therefore, taking the organs would be wrong.

The No Harm Done Argument1. To harm someone is to take away something that benefits them.2. Being alive is a benefit only if it enables you to have thoughts, feelings, and other things of value.3. Baby Theresa was incapable of having thoughts, feelings, and other things of value.4. Therefore, Baby Theresa would not benefit from prolonged life. (from 2 and 3)_________________________________________Therefore, ending her life would not harm her.

The Don’t Use People Argument1. It is always wrong to use people as mere means to other people’s ends.2. Baby Theresa is (was) a person.3. Taking Theresa’s organs would be using her as a mere means to benefit the other children._________________________________________Therefore, it would be wrong to take Theresa’s organs.

The Not a Person Argument1. All persons have minds (in other words, if something does not have a mind, then it is not a person).2. All things with minds are capable of conscious mental activity (thoughts, feelings, etc.)3. Baby Theresa is not capable of having conscious mental activity.4. Therefore, Baby Theresa does not have a mind. (from 2 and 3)___________________________Baby Theresa is not a person. (from 1 and 4)